China’s rail freight hits new highs as cross-border traffic accelerates in 2025

Nearly 3.73 billion tonnes of cargo were moved by rail in the first 11 months of 2025, a 2.7 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024, China Railway Corporation (CRC) said. 

The corporation noted that rail transport’s advantages in logistics became increasingly evident, helping to lower overall logistics costs and support the stable operation of the national economy, Caliber.Az reports via Chinese media. 

CRC pointed to faster progress in building a modern railway logistics system, expanded customised services for different industries, and closer cooperation with customs authorities and international partners to boost cross-border transport efficiency.

International rail freight links continued to strengthen. From January to November, 31,200 freight trains operated on routes connecting China with Europe and Central Asia, representing a year-on-year increase of 9 per cent. November alone saw 1,852 trains dispatched, up 21 percent from a year earlier and marking a new monthly record.

Regional rail links also recorded solid growth. Freight volumes transported by rail between China and Laos rose 15 per cent year on year to 4.98 million tonnes during the same period, CRC said.

By Sabina Mammadli